On October 9, 2025, Hawai`i County Mayor Dr. Kimo Alameda and Deputy Managing Director of the Office of the Mayor Mr. Merrick Nishimoto visited NAOJ Mitaka Campus. During the visit, Mayor Alameda held a talk-story session with the staff of NAOJ and relevant institutes, focusing on how Japanese scientists, engineers, and others can best work with the people of Hawai`i for the benefit of people, culture, and the environment, as well as astronomy.

Additionally, Mayor Alameda and Mr. Nishimoto toured various facilities on campus with NAOJ Director General Mamoru Doi. At the 4D2U Dome Theater, they experienced the beautiful four-dimensional view of the Universe created by supercomputer simulations based on recent observational data, including data from the Subaru Telescope on Maunakea. At the Advanced Technology Center, they inspected the ultra-precision machine tool workshop for the fabrication of devices such as ALMA receivers and instrument components for the Subaru Telescope.

NAOJ deeply appreciates the Mayor’s guidance on how to fulfill its shared responsibility in the stewardship of Maunakea. NAOJ remains firmly committed to working hand in hand with the local community to pursue world-leading scientific discoveries together.